On Thursday, Oct. 17, the UC Berkeley campus will join thousands of other organizations across the state participating in the Great California Shakeout. The Shakeout is a statewide drill designed to get Californians prepared for a major earthquake. Over 9 million people are expected to participate in this years event.

At approximately 10:17 a.m., UCPD will sound the alert sirens to indicate the start of the drill. At that time everyone is encouraged to drop, cover, and hold on. This is also a great opportunity for departments to review their policies and procedures while helping staff practice the skills that may save their lives in the event of a disaster.

To further help the campus community prepare, the Office of Emergency Management is partnering with the American Red Cross to staff preparedness tables near Sather Gate from noon to 2 p.m. Come by to learn more about how to make a plan, build a kit and get trained.